blessed beyond measure

Oh, the plans were big. Very local, very inexpensive, and something we've never done before, Poppop and I conspired to take the boys riding on his boat. We'd swim, see the sights, pack a dinner, and maybe even find an island to picnic on. A perfect outing for Exploration Season week 2. And the boys were pumped . Aden especially, who for whatever reason decided he might not really be afraid of the boat if we got to explore an island. The conversation: Mama : Maybe we could find an island for our picnic. Aden : Yes! Then we can look for treasure! Mama : What kind of treasure would you look for? Aden : Sporks and shiny monkeys! Yep, he was excited. As was Trey, who readily and repeatedly explained to Aden that he had never been afraid of the boat, and because he had been riding and driving the boat with Poppop for his whole life, Poppop would only want him to help drive. And then Aden would punch him. So, we had plans. And then the day came. It was misty. And co...

The fall is upon us. The mountains are just sparkling, y'all. No humidity whatsoever. Stinkbugs are aflutter, pumpkins line grocery store entrances, and my appetite for soup is almost unquenchable. The boys are already asking to go to a corn maze, be still my heart. This summer, as so many past, has been filled with firsts and memories and frustrations and a schedule so full that I can't even remember where it all went. So lest we forget the season, time for a wrap-up update. Wrap-update. Yes. Please excuse me if this post seems a little too happy for Ashley. I'm on steroids for some poison oak run amok in my system. And the steroids, sweet nectar of abundant life, have made me a better person. Energetic, giddy, perspective-minded. I'm like a new person. Totally dreading the end of the cycle. Anyway. We now have expert two-wheeled bike riders. Though it took some kicking and screaming to get there, the freedom the boys now enjoy on their bikes is well...

My Aden has started his last year of preschool. Please excuse me while I dab my eyes. Man, this kids growing up thing is really getting to me lately. Boy was he ever excited. It didn't help that Trey was in school a whole three weeks before Aden's class kicked off. Of course, the time at home with just Aden was positively blissful. When my boys aren't together, they actually act like we've raised them properly. It's the strangest thing. Giga got the honor of dropping Aden off for his first day and got some great photos for us. He was in his element, and maybe most excited to tell his teacher how very hard he worked over the summer on his letter sounds. So now he's in school three mornings a week, practicing his public speaking with show and tell twice a month, and taking turns with the other kids giving the daily weather report and holding the flag for the pledge, which he now breezes through. Have a fabulous year at school, Aden!